Film-Flam or Brief Histories of Cinema Classics

 

     1939 The Wizard of Oz

In Oz, your monkeys soar, your wizards roar.

You’re not, young Dot, in Kansas anymore.

     1939 Gone with the Wind

More ante-bellum “bim-bam, thank you, ma’am!”

Quite frankly, Yankees just don’t give a damn.

     1941 Citizen Kane

What nonsense! “Rosebud!” signifies a sled?

To wit, Kane’s lit. “Rosé, Bud!”’s what he said.

     1942 Casablanca

Though famed for Bogart’s bid, “Again, Sam! Play it!”

the question bides: did Bogie even say it? 

     1950 All About Eve

A bitter Bette rides the stairs. (Takes flight…?)

“Make fast those belts. This bodes a bumpy night.”

     1954 On the Waterfront

Steiger’s Chas “The Gent,” while Cobb’s the jerk.

Mauldin’s priest goads Marlon’s brash Young Turk.

Saint, god knows, as good as goes berserk.

But who’s the dude who crows, “Let’s go to work!”?

     1979 Alien

“Aliens!!” cries poor Sigourney’s team.

(‘Tis space, my dear: they cannot hear you scream.)